US threatens to exit several NATO frameworks, lays down crucial condition — Reuters

The message was conveyed to Europeans at a meeting in Washington this week by Pentagon officials who oversee NATO policy.

Shifting the financial burden from the US to European members of the Alliance will radically change how the United States, one of the founders of the post-war alliance, cooperates with its most important military partners.

At the meeting, Pentagon representatives noted that Washington is dissatisfied with the steps Europe has taken to strengthen its defense capabilities since Russia's expanded invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

US officials told their colleagues that if Europe does not meet the conditions set by 2027, the US may withdraw from some NATO defense coordination mechanisms.

Several European officials said the deadline was unrealistic. European countries have generally accepted US President Donald Trump's demand to take more responsibility for their own security and have pledged to increase defense spending significantly.

Background

Earlier, US President Donald Trump repeatedly stated that he expected European NATO member countries to increase their defense spending. The target of 5% of GDP was proposed by Washington.

Against the backdrop of European countries agreeing to this target, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth has already acknowledged that they have stepped up.

In June, NATO leaders at a summit in The Hague pledged to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP within 10 years.

The new defense spending target to be achieved over the next few years represents a jump of hundreds of billions of dollars per year. Previously, NATO countries were required to spend 2% of their GDP on defense.